The United Nations conducted two independent investigations over Hamas’ attack on Israel on 7 October and Israel’s war in Gaza that followed, to determine if any war crimes had taken place.
The background: Both reports were released on Wednesday by the UN Commission of Inquiry, saying both parties committed war crimes in the early stages of the war and Israel’s actions constituted crimes against humanity due to the large number of civilian losses.
The war began on 7 October, when militants led by Hamas, the Islamist group ruling Gaza, killed 1,200 Israelis and took more than 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.
According to the health ministry in Gaza, at least 37,000 people have been killed by Israel’s military operations.
Neither side has responded to the Commission’s findings.
The UN reports, released in Geneva, found that both sides had committed war crimes including torture, murder or wilful killing, outrages upon personal dignity, and inhuman or cruel treatment.
Israel and Hamas are considering a ceasefire proposal, which is being negotiated under the mediation of the US, Egypt and Qatar. Source: EPA / Qatar News Agency handout
The key quote: Navi Pillay, chair of the Commission, said: “It is imperative that all those who have committed crimes be held accountable. The only way to stop the recurring cycles of violence, including aggression and retribution by both sides, is to ensure strict adherence to international law.”
What else to know: Israel and Hamas are considering a ceasefire proposal, which is being negotiated under the mediation of the United States, Egypt and Qatar.
What happens now: The proposal outlined by US President Joe Biden envisages a ceasefire and phased release of Israeli hostages in Gaza in exchange for Palestinians jailed in Israel, ultimately leading to a permanent end to the war.
Source Agencies
